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Elementary School

The Elementary School program at the Walworth Barbour American International School is designed to equip every child with the essential learning skills in order to become a responsible and contributing member of the community. Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science are the foundations of the school’s academic program. Additional opportunities allow children to express themselves creatively through Art, Music and Physical Education. Technology and Media Literacy is embedded throughout the K-5 curriculum.

We have incredible children who come to us from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a common joy of learning.

Teachers utilize a variety of strategies designed to enrich each student’s experience. All classes participate in field trips linked to curriculum. School traditions include holiday celebrations, assemblies, sports, concerts, and publishing parties.

Special services offered in Grades K-5 include support for students with mild learning disabilities and counseling services. Formal instruction for English Language Learners (ELL) begins in kindergarten.

WBAIS is an exceptional school. Dedicated faculty provide an excellent education that challenges and inspires our students. The curriculum reflects the best of what is known about elementary education. The active and supportive parent community has been instrumental in assisting us and our school.

And most importantly, we have incredible children who come to us from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a common joy of learning.

The Elementary School Program

Through a Balanced Literacy philosophy, students learn to observe their lives and the world around them, while reading a variety of genres. We implement the Teachers College Readers and Writers Workshop units of study. Students follow the writing process by collecting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing well-crafted narrative and expository texts. Word Study and handwriting are integrated into the writing program. At the primary level, children learn to read by developing strategies that enable them to effectively use both sight and sound approaches. Students work independently, with partners, and in small groups and learn multiple strategies to discuss and evaluate literature. In addition, they learn how to reflect upon their own interests and strengths.

We offer a comprehensive standards-based math curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core Math Standards. Teachers promote strategies that emphasize conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem solving skills. Our students become confident mathematical thinkers, learning to explore new ideas and articulate their insights and questions.

The ES Social Studies curriculum build critical thinking, problem solving, and participatory skills so that students can better understand their place in the world. An awareness of Israel and its role in the Middle East is addressed at all grade levels. Kindergarten students study cultural celebrations, their role in the community, and citizenship. First grade students study the relationships between self, family, community and countries around the world. Beginning in Second Grade, students compare and contrast regions of the world through an integration of civics, economics, geography, and history. Third Grade students study the relationship between man and his environment. Fourth Grade students study ancient civilizations. Fifth Grade students focus on the Americas and US history.

Science instruction in Grades K-5, follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and implements aspects of the FOSS program’s approach to life, earth and physical science. Experiments, conducted in the Science Lab, Tunnel Greenhouse, ES Organic Garden, and the Little Red Coop offer a hands-on, inquiry approach to learning. Research skills, project work, and field trips are enhanced by the integration of math and science in the program. Students in Grades 3-5 participate in the Elementary School Science Fair. In addition, Grade 5 students participate in the NESA Virtual Science Fair project.

Students in the Visual and Performing Arts program explore drama, music, and varied media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture. Students learn basic visual arts skills while developing critical and creative thinking. Students make connections between Visual and Performing Arts and other disciplines.

The Physical Education program engages children in sport competitions, swimming and other physical activities, but their fine and gross motor school development goes beyond playing games. Students learn the importance of maintaining a healthy way of life, through both exercise and positive lifestyle choices.